Huge game by Gardner boosts xNorth Iowa over xAlexandria, 7-3

Trey Gardner had two goals and one assist to lead the xNorth Iowa Bulls to a 7-3 victory over the xAlexandria Blizzard.

Gardner\’s tallies came short handed at 12:15 into the first period to make the score 2-1 xNorth Iowa and short handed 9:48 into the second to make the score 5-2 xNorth Iowa.

xNorth Iowa stifled xAlexandria\’s power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Bulls kept the Blizzard\’s goalie busy throughout the game, and Tanner Elmore made 25 saves on 32 shots.

xAlexandria was forced to rely heavily on their penalty kill unit throughout the game, as it racked up 46 penalty minutes.

The Blizzard were helped by Mick Dhein, who racked up one goal. Dhein scored short handed 14:34 into the first period to make the score 2-2. xAlexandria was on a disadvantage when Zach Kihle went off the ice for slashing. Tom Schmidt assisted on the tally. xAlexandria also had goals scored by Joe Anderson and Nate Mettenburg, who each put in one. In addition, xAlexandria received assists from Ian Ecklund, Bo Gronseth, and Gavin Mindt, who contributed one a piece.

xNorth Iowa\’s starting goalie, Chris Amsden, made 15 saves and finished with the win before he was taken out in favor of Jordan Moran, who stopped nine shots. The Bulls incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. The Blizzard registered zero goals on four power play opportunities.